Johnston Health CEO appointed to JCC Board of Trustees

A week or so after being appointed to Johnston Community College’s Board of Trustees, Johnston Health CEO Tom Williams was at the Legislative Building in Raleigh, lobbying for the community college system.

Williams says he welcomed the opportunity because he knows first-hand the value of community colleges. After graduating from high school, he went to respiratory therapy school at what was then Durham Technical Institute. Earning that associate degree laid the foundation for his career in health care and was one of his best decisions, he says.

“Community college gave me an immediate goal and a professional skill to develop. And the instructors challenged me every day,” he adds. “I was learning something that would have a positive impact on patients. It had a positive impact on me, too. It made me grow up, which is what I needed as a 17-year- old.”

Williams says he sought out the board appointment because he values the relationship between JCC and Johnston Health. Nearly 65 percent of new hires in the hospital clinical areas, such as radiology and phlebotomy, have training from JCC. And nearly all JCC nursing students complete at least one clinical rotation at Johnston Health.

Every year, Johnston Health hires between 10 and 25 JCC nursing graduates.

Williams says he feels fortunate to serve alongside a group of trustees who share a common goal to support JCC students as well as the community and its growth. “They are committed to providing opportunities to go to school, and to live and work right here in Johnston County,” he adds.

Williams also believes in being actively involved in the communities where hospitals serve. “Volunteer work with Chambers, other non-profits, boards and civic organizations is an important part of caring for and supporting our neighbors—it’s just as important as providing health care,” he said. 

Williams will serve a four-year term. He was appointed by the Johnston County Board of Education.

Pictured: CEO Tom Williams is among the recent appointees to the Johnston Community College Board of Trustees. From left is: Cody Peedin, incoming student government president; Tom Williams; and Suefan Johnson, realtor with Caldwell Banker Advantage. At far right is Clerk of Court Michele Ball, who administers the oaths of office. The board has 13 members in all. (Photo courtesy of Johnston Community College)